OSHA Proposes Revisions to Recordkeeping Regs

Changes will not require additional recordkeeping

OSHA is proposing to amend its current recordkeeping regulations to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information employers are already required to keep under existing standards, Part 1904. The proposal does not add any new requirement to keep records; it only modifies an employer’s obligation to transmit these records to OSHA.

The new regulations would impact three employer categories:

The first proposed new requirement is for establishments with more than 250 employees (and who are already required to keep records) to electronically submit the records on a quarterly basis to OSHA.

Second, OSHA is proposing that establishments with 20 or more employees, in certain industries with high injury and illness rates, be required to submit electronically only their summary of work-related injuries and illnesses to OSHA once a year. Currently, many such firms report this information to OSHA under OSHA’s Data Initiative.

Finally, a third category would include all employers who receive notification from OSHA to electronically submit requested information from their injury and illness records.

The public will have 90 days, through Feb. 6, 2014, to submit written comments on the proposed rule.

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